BAKGAT 2 with Ivan Botha, Cherie van der Merwe, Altus Theart and Neil Sharim, directed by Henk Pretorius. Rating: 6½ out of 10.
THE Afrikaans teen movie, "Bakgat" (2008), was a surprise hit at the South African box-office, and this rude, sweet, silly, funny sequel is just as entertaining, so it looks set to to be equally popular.
Following on two years after the first one, "Bakgat 2" finds Wimpie Koekemoer (Ivan Botha) now playing under 21 rugby for Unitas while his beloved Cherie van der Merwe (Katrien Swanepoel) is working as a teacher of autistic children. When Wiempie is offered a contract to play pro rugby in England, he tries to grab the opportunity. But Cherie, who loves her job, wants to stay in South Africa - and she is prepared to use all her considerable sexual charms to keep Wiempie here. What is a boy to do?
Also returning are Wiempie and Cherie's friends. Japie (Neil Sharim) is still in love with Liezl (Lelia Etsebeth), but their budding sex life is hampered by his "small" problem. Fanie (Andrew Thompson) also has size issues. But in his case, the problem is the size of Christie's chubby tummy (Ciske Kruger). Then there is Wiempie's muscular old nemesis, Werner "Killer" Botha (Altus Theart ), who joins Unitas and threatens Wiempie's place in the rugby team. And yes, Basjan (Ian Roberts) is back to. But the former ace coach has stopped drinking brandy and coke, built a jacuzzi on his farm and discovered the joys of dagga (marijuana) and nubile young ladies.
The "Bakgat" movies - which were inspired by the "American Pie" franchise, are not subtle, and they are very white and very Afrikaans. But they are "lekker" funny, come with English subtitles for those who don't understand the "taal" and certainly make me feel nostalgic for my youth. There is some fabulous music on the soundtrack too. So, if you enjoyed the first movie, are looking for a good local laugh or just want to know what a "Satan sakkie" is, do not miss "Bakgat 2". GRANT AUBIN.
